Systems, Devices, and/or Methods for Providing Images via a Contact Lens

ABSTRACT

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, via light from a light source, rendering an image on a retina.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference herein in its entirety, pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/567,445 (Attorney Docket 1149-262), filed 6 Dec. 2011.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A wide variety of potential, feasible, and/or useful embodiments will be more readily understood through the herein-provided, non-limiting, non-exhaustive description of certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings in which:

FIG. 1a is a front view of an eye 1;

FIG. 1b is a cross-section taken along section A-A of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken along section A-A of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along section A-A of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a layer of an electroactive prism;

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken at section B-B of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an information device.

DESCRIPTION

It is possible to mount, in and/or on the eye of a wearer, one or more devices that contain Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”), and/or similar tiny electro-optic devices that emit light. An example is a contact lens having one embedded LED that can produce a single spot in the field of view of the eye of the wearer. Such light emitting devices can allow images to be formed on the retina of the wearer, such as those described in any of the following published documents:

-   “A single-pixel wireless contact lens display”, Lingley et al,     2011 J. Micromech. Microeng. 21 125014; -   United States Patent Application Publication 20050099594 -   United States Patent Application Publication 20100001926; -   United States Patent Application Publication 20120245444; -   United States Patent Application Publication 20120277568; -   International Patent Application WO/2008/109867; -   International Patent Application WO/2012/051223; -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,805 -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,758,187; -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,654; -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,184,068;     -   each of which published documents is incorporated by reference         to the extent it teaches how to operably implement (i.e., make         and/or use) any portion of any embodiment of a lighting-emitting         contact lens adapted to form one or more predetermined images on         a retina of its wearer and/or adapted to perform a function         described herein.

However, in order to accomplish this, lenses of positive optical power typically must be used between the light emitting device and the retina so as to allow the light from the emitting device to form a small enough spot for the retina to discern the spot.

The amount of optical power required to focus a spot of light on the retina can vary from person to person since the optical power of the eye typically varies from person to person. Additionally, the optical power of the cornea can vary from location to location within the same cornea of a single individual. Also, the location of the section of the retina that the spots must be projected to typically varies from person to person. For a spot to be perceived as being in the center of the person's vision, the spot typically must be projected onto the center of the fovea of the retina. As the spot is projected onto a location further away from the center of the fovea, the spot is typically perceived to be further out from the center of the person's visual field.

Forming many spots on the retina can allow images more complex than a single spot to be seen. By projecting onto a person's retina a pattern of spots of a known size, such as a series of concentric circles or a grid of dots, the person might report what they see as it appears to be overlaid upon the real-world images that they see. Moreover, the relationship between distance-from-center and angular field of view can be determined, such as via a diagnostic instrument such as a wavefront sensor, e.g., a laser ray tracing analyzer, a spatially resolved refractometer, an optical path difference scanner, a Tscherning aberrometer and/or aberroscope, and/or a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor, etc. With this data and/or other data from a wavefront sensor, a person's eye magnification can be mapped and/or the projected images calibrated to the correct size and/or location, which can ensure that the overlaid images will appear in the desired location in a person's vision. Temporal and/or spatial variations and/or aberrations in the optical power of the eye can be measured by the wavefront sensor, providing sufficient information to adjust optical power of the light source and/or its associated optics to form one or more desired spots on the retina.

Forming multiple spots on the retina of a person (or other animal) in a controlled manner can form images that can be seen by the person as useful data. Such images might be perceived as text, graphics, photographic images, animations, and/or video. Having the capability to project such data onto the eye of a person via the use of a contact lens can be useful and/or valuable because it can allow a data interface to be worn by the person in a very small, light, and/or unobtrusive package, that is potentially unnoticed by others. Currently, such a capability for a person to observe such images can only be obtained by projections systems located outside of the eye, which tend to be bulky and/or heavier than desired head mounted displays, such as those sold by many retail sources such as Amazon.com.

Forming multiple spots is one approach to having the person and/or user perceive seeing multiple spots. Another approach can be to scan a spot quickly over an area of the retina faster than the retina is sending images to the brain. For example, if a single spot was moved around in a circular pattern at a rate of speed of 200 complete circles per second, the typical user would see a solid circle rather than a spot travelling in a circular motion. For example, complex images and/or graphics can be created by rapidly tracing the path of the spot over the desired shape of one or more graphics to be produced. To create one or more desired graphics, one could utilize a single light source and spot, a single light source broken into several beams by using beam splitters, thus forming into multiple spots, and/or multiple light sources and multiple spots. Generally speaking, the more spots that are used, the more complex the graphics can become. For example, if the number six followed by a period was desired (i.e., “6.”), the movement of the spot could scan and/or trace those symbols, then the light source could be switched off while the optics repositioned the beam so that when the light source was switched on again, it could be in the location of the period. Before the optics repositioned the beam to begin the tracing of the six, the light source again could be switched off until the beam was aimed at the starting point of the six, then switched on once there. This movement could be rapidly repeated for as long as that particular graphic was desired.

In light of the above, it can be desirable to be able to adjust the optical power of the lenses used to focus the projected spot on the retina being created by a light source within a contact lens. Additionally, it can be desirable to be able to adjust the vertical and/or horizontal direction of the projection to direct the projected spots to the optimal location on the retina for a particular wearer of the lens. Furthermore, it can be desirable to be able to adjust the vertical and/or horizontal direction of the projection such that the projected spot(s) is not simply static in one place, but can be quickly moved about to other places on the retina to perform the duty of multiple spots.

Certain exemplary embodiments can adjust the focus of the projection of the spot of the light onto the retina. Certain exemplary embodiments can steer the projected spot, or spots, of light to various locations on the retina, which can be useful for, e.g., conducting the visual field test used to track the occurrence and/or progression of glaucoma and/or damage to the optic nerve of the wearer.

A light emitting diode (LED), an OLED, a micro light bulb, a laser, super luminescent diode or any other types of point-source light generators, can be placed in a device capable of being placed in or on the eye. These light sources can be very thin and/or can be molded within the device itself by encapsulating it during the fabrication process An example method of encapsulation would be to locate the light source inside of a mold, then inject the molding material, which is in a liquid state, into the mold such that it flows all around the light source and fills the mold. Once the molding material has become solid, either by cooling or curing, the mold is opened and the device is removed from the mold with the light source encapsulated within. The LED can be oriented to direct its light toward the inside of the eye.

The light being directed by the LED toward the inside of the eye can be refracted, or bent, a sufficient amount to allow the natural optical structures of the eye to bring the light to a point of focus on the retina. This can be accomplished by the use of a conventional refractive lens working in conjunction with an electro-active lens, or by providing an electro-active lens without a conventional lens. The electro-active lens can be either a focusing lens, a steering lens, or a combination of both types. If both types are used, the steering lens can be capable of steering light in at least two directions, preferably orthogonal to each other.

When it is desired to create only a single point source of light on the retina by a single LED, for example when a single on/off indicator point is needed to alert the user of an external on/off event such as that a car is in the driver's blind spot when driving, the focusing electro-active lens can be adjusted to fine tune the overall optical system, which can include the LED, the electro-active lens (and possibly the conventional lens), and/or the optical structures of the user's eye to achieve a optimum spot size on the retina. The optimum spot size on the retina generally can be thought of as being the smallest possible size, but it also can be desirable to have the spot size be not necessarily the smallest possible size, and it might need to be larger, depending upon the application. For example, in the on/off driving indicator use described above, a larger dot might be wanted to increase visibility of the dot. However, in situations where multiple dots are used to form text, a combination of smaller dots might be desired so as to create sharper, less defocused images with greater resolution. If the LED is activated without the electro-active lens activated, the spot size is desired to be smaller, and/or the point of focus of the light from the LED occurs before the light reaches the retina, then the electro-active lens can introduce negative, or diverging optical power. If the point of focus has not yet occurred by the time the light reaches the retina, then the electro-active lens can introduce positive, or converging optical power.

This basic assembly can be replicated for two or more LEDs, such as to create an array of any closed geometric shape. Such an array can project images on the retina such that each LED contributes one pixel of observed light on the retina.

If the light from one or more LEDs is not forming spots in the desired location of the retina, then the steering electro-active lenses can direct the spots to the desired location by tipping and/or tilting.

The electro-active steering lenses can allow one or more LEDs to perform the duty of two or more pixels. By steering the light from an LED, the spot can “write” a complex image on the retina. The pattern of spots can be controlled by a controller (such as a microprocessor, programmable logic controller, field programmable gate array, and/or an application specific integrated circuit, etc., known to those skilled in the art of computer electronics. The controller can be either embedded inside of the contact lens, by encapsulation during the molding process when the contact lens is fabricated or located outside of the contact lens and in communication with the contact lens, such as via wires and/or wireless communication devices, mechanisms, and/or processes that are known to those skilled in the art of wireless communication electronics. The controller can be electronic circuitry known to those skilled in the art of making and programming graphics displays.

The images can be created by standard graphics software widely used on computers, such as PaintShop or Paint, and/or can be in any known file format, such as BMP, GIF, PNG, TIFF, JPG, PSP, PSD, EXIF, RAW, CGM, SVG, PPT, VML, HPGL, ODG, DWG, DXF, VRML, 3DXML, STL, U3D, PICT, PDF, MPO, PNS, JPS, HTML, HTML5, SWF, AVI, MOV, WMV, MPEG, MP4, RM, and/or Ogg, etc.

The writing can be done with the light being produced in a continuously on mode, and/or the light can be pulsed to produce the effect of a discreetly pixilated image. Several of such devices can work in conjunction so that each individual device can perform the work of creating a portion of the desired image while the other devices fill in the remaining portions, and/or the single LED working in conjunction with the electro-active steering lens can perform the job of creating the entire image.

Multiple LEDs, each potentially providing light that has a color that is different from the color of the light provided by one or more of the others, can be used to create color images on the retina. Single color images might be adequate for simple information such as text-only messages, yet color images might add more richness to the information by being able to, e.g., change the color of text and/or words that the user's attention must be drawn to. For example, if projecting driving information to the wearer, a low fuel level can be projected to the wearer with a higher level of urgency if the fuel level information was projected in a color different from other commonly and/or concurrently displayed colors. In another example, video streams can be much more pleasing and/or entertaining if presented in multiple colors rather than a single color, much like, for many viewers, color TV is often more pleasing than black and white TV.

Via certain exemplary embodiments, single and/or multiple LEDs can be used to generate multiple images that can appear to the wearer as being simultaneously presented. Thus, continuing with the automobile driver example, one LED can display a single color icon indicating a low fuel warning, and/or multiple LEDs can present a color “rear-view mirror” video-type display.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide for device switching mechanisms, such as switches to turn on or off certain types of images, displays, LED arrays, and/or LEDs. Some such switches can be activated by the controller based on the relative and/or absolute direction of a wearer's gaze, while others can be activated depending on the relative and/or absolute position and/or movement direction of a user's head, body, vehicle, etc. For example, the above described color “rear-view mirror” video-type display could be presented only when the user shifts their gaze toward the upper right and/or looks in the traditional direction of a rear view mirror as seen by a driver, perhaps only while the wearer is driving, or perhaps at any time (e.g., “I now have eyes in the back of my head”). As another example, an image could be rendered only upon the occurrence of a particular event, such as the receipt of a communication (e.g., e-mail, text message, reminder, alarm, etc.), the detection and/or recognition of a predetermined and/or unexpected sound, the expiration of a timer, the crossing of a geo-fence, the positioning of a user within a predetermined distance of a given entity (e.g., object, person, animal, etc.), a low light situation (e.g., rendering a wearer's surroundings as detected via an infrared and/or night vision camera), and/or the detection of a change in a predetermined state of the wearer and/or another person and/or animal (e.g., a rise in the user's blood pressure beyond a predetermined limit, a seizure incident, an undesired level of blood glucose, insulin, and/or other predetermined substance (e.g., a neurotransmitter, hormone, nutrient, pharmaceutical, environmental substance (e.g., oxygen, carbon monoxide, etc.), etc.), the transition of the wearer or another entity (such as an infant or patient) to an awake state (e.g., providing a status update to the wearer in reaction to a change in a particular type of macroscopic neural oscillation), etc.), etc.

Certain exemplary embodiments can couple an image with audio information, such as information delivered to a wearer via a speaker, headset, earbud(s), hearing aid, and/or cochlear implant, etc. For example, a low fuel warning image could be preceded, accompanied, and/or followed by a related audible low fuel warning delivered via an earbud and/or automobile speaker.

Likewise, certain exemplary embodiments can couple an image with haptic (e.g., tactioceptive (touch), proprioceptive (relative body and/or joint motion), thermoceptive (temperature), nociceptive (pain), equilibrioceptive (balance), kinesthesioceptive (acceleration), chemoreceptive (gustation, olfaction, etc.), magnetoceptive (direction), chronoceptive (perception of time), etc.) information, such as information delivered to a wearer via a vibrator, tactor, data glove, heater, cooler, airstream, force feedback mechanism, ultrasound transducers, etc. For example, a visual image communicating a low fuel warning could be preceded, accompanied, and/or followed by a related haptic communication delivered via a vibrotactile effector such as a vibrator and/or tactor.

FIG. 1a is a front view of an eye 1 of a human from the perspective of looking directly through contact lens 3 into the cornea of that human's head while that head is oriented in an upright position (e.g., the opening of the human's nostrils would be oriented downwards (i.e., toward the phrase “FIG. 1a ”) such that the longitudinal axis of the human's nose would be oriented parallel to section A-A.

For purposes of clarity, FIG. 1b , FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 are cross-section drawings of the eye, limiting the optical depictions to two dimensions. Those skilled in the art of optics understand this drawing convention and can relate these to three dimensional optical effects in the real world optical systems.

FIG. 1b is a cross-section taken along section A-A of FIG. 1a , and shows an Eye 35 of a person, with Light Beams 5 entering Eye 35, and coming to focus at Point 20. Point 20 can be the fovea of Eye 35, which can be the center of vision of Eye 35. The densest concentration of photoreceptors in Eye 35 can be found in Retina 40. Light Beams 5 can pass through Contact Lens 10 and be refracted somewhat, then can pass through Cornea 15 and be refracted an additional amount. Light Source Assembly 25 can be embedded inside of Contact Lens 10. Light Source 25 can provide a point source of light that can be directed toward Retina 40, and after passing through Cornea 15, can continue to be a Beam of Light 30 that can form a point of light on Retina 40. When the point of light is desired to be perceived in the center of the person's field of view, the point of light can be formed at Point 20. If the point of light forms elsewhere on Retina 40, e.g., outside the fovea centralis and/or the macula, such as in a peripheral regions, on the parafovea belt, and/or the perifovea outer region, it can be perceived in the person's peripheral view.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken at section A-A of FIG. 1a , and shows Eye 35 and Beam of Light 30 directed toward Retina 40 at a slightly different angle, resulting in a point of light forming at Point 45, slightly above Point 20. This will be perceived by the person as a point of light that is below the center of their field of view (not perceived above because the actual images produced on the retina are inverted, and the brain sorts out the up and down orientation).

FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken at section A-A of FIG. 1a , and shows Eye 35 and Light Source 25 providing a point source of light directed toward Retina 40, and after passing through Cornea 15, can become a Cone of Light 45 that forms a Blob of Light on Retina 40. The upper and lower boundaries of the Blob of Light are above and below Point 20. In this condition the user would perceive a diffuse circle of light larger than a point of light.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that shows certain major components of an exemplary embodiment of a light source module 400. Light Source 50, which can produce light, can be an LED or some other type of light emitting source such as a OLED. Collimating Lens 55 can provide optical power to focus the light emitting from Light Source 50 from a widely diverging beam to a less diverging beam that is close to the average optical divergence required to pass through the eye and form a point of light on the retina. The optical focus power at the cornea can be minimal because the light source can be in physical contact with the contact lens and/or cornea, so the major optical power to contend with can be that provided by the crystalline lens of the eye. This lens typically provides between 5 and 15 diopters of optical power. Some people's eyes have more or less optical power than the average, so Electroactive Lens 60 can provide the adjustable optical power required to compensate, within this typical range of approximately 5 and approximately 15 diopters, for the more or less optical power so as to form the desired small spot size on the retina. Electroactive Prism 65 can provide adjustable beam steering to direct the spot of light to various locations on the retina. An exemplary beam steering configuration can be to have the prism provide up/down steering and side-to-side steering. This can utilize two layers of liquid crystal, one layer for the up/down and a second layer for side-to-side. Controller 70 can control light source 50, electro-active lens 60, and/or electro-active prism 65. Controller 70 can be powered via battery and/or wirelessly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a layer of an electroactive prism 500. Substrate 115 can be made from a clear glass or plastic material (for example soda lime glass), then a pattern of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) having a resistance of between approximately 5 and approximately 10,000 ohms per square, such as approximately 100 ohms per square can be placed on the surface of substrate 115 by lithography. In an exemplary device, the glass can be approximately 1 mm tall by approximately 1 mm wide, by approximately 50 microns thick but could be between approximately 0.05 mm and approximately 3 mm in width and/or height, and/or between approximately 5 and approximately 1,000 microns in thickness. As shown for this particular embodiment, nine ITO electrodes 70 through 110 can be patterned onto the surface of glass 115 [?], each potentially being approximately 0.08 mm wide by approximately 0.9 mm in length, with an approximately 3 micron gap between each but could be between approximately 0.01 and approximately 1 mm wide by 0.05 mm and/or 3 mm in length. Each electrode can have an electrical connection lead 120 attached to one end. In this figure, only electrode 70 shows an electrical connection, but all the electrodes can have one. An insulation layer such as silicone dioxide can be placed over the surface of the substrate 115, then an alignment layer such as polyimide can be placed over the insulation layer, then rubbed. The placement, composition, and rubbing of these layers are known to those skilled in the art of liquid crystal lens making. A second substrate of similar size (not shown), with a coating of ITO on it, can be placed over the surface of Substrate 115 and attached to it, potentially with adhesive, but possibly only in the areas where no electrodes exist. Mixed within the adhesive can be spacer beads of a consistent diameter, such as approximately 10 microns (but they could range in size between approximately 1 and approximately 50 microns), whose purpose can be to create a uniform gap between the two substrates. Liquid Crystal can be deposited in the approximately space created by the beads between the two substrates.

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken at section B-B of FIG. 5 and shows an electroactive prism 600. Substrate 115 can be bonded to Substrate 125 with Adhesive 130, forming Gap 135, which can be filled with liquid crystal. Electrodes 70 through 110 are shown.

An electrical potential can be applied across any of electrodes 70 through 110 on one side of the circuit, and the ITO layer of Substrate 125 on the other side of the circuit. Each of electrodes 70 through 110 can be individually addressed with a unique electrical voltage value. The voltages can be between approximately zero and approximately 10 volts, and/or can have a substantially square waveform with a frequency of approximately 100 hertz. When approximately zero volts are applied to the electrodes, the molecules of liquid crystal filling gap 135 can align themselves to the orientation of the rub direction of the alignment layer and/or exhibit a desired index of refraction. When an electric voltage is applied across the electrodes on Substrate 115 and the ITO layer of Substrate 125, the electric field can causes the molecules to turn in the direction of the electric field. A small amount of electrical voltage, for example approximately 1.5 volts, can cause the liquid crystal molecules to turn a partial amount away from the alignment layer, and a large amount of electrical voltage, for example approximately 5 volts, can cause the molecules to turn all the way away from the alignment layer. The greater the amount of turning away from the alignment layer, the higher the index of refraction typically will be for the liquid crystal. The amount of turning is typically an analog amount based upon the analog potential value of the electrical voltage, so the amount of change of index of refraction can be controlled by changing the voltage potential in an analog and/or continuously varying manner. If a gradient of voltages were to be applied to the electrodes, for example electrode 70 can have approximately 1.5 volts, electrode 75 approximately 1.6 volts, electrode 80 approximately 1.7 volts, and so on, the index of refraction of the liquid crystal can be lower in the zone around electrode 70, more in the zone near electrode 75, and so on. In a condition like this, a wavefront of light passing through the prism can be tilted upward. As the voltage gradient is increased, the amount of tilting can be increased. In this manner, the wavefront can be tilted in an analog and/or continuously varying manner. Incoming light beam 150 can become exiting light beam 155, tilted upward. Two of such devices can be utilized, placed orthogonal to each other, such that one device can tilt the light up/down, and/or the other device can tilt the light side-to-side. Such devices also can be made such that the electrodes are circular rather than linear, which can allow for spherical focus changes to be made rather than tip/tilting. Spherical focus changes can be utilized for adding or subtracting optical power to the wavefront of light to create a point of light on the retina. Tip/tilt changes can be utilized to direct the point of light to various locations on the retina.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 7000. At activity 7100, light can be emitted from a light sourced embedded in a contact lens toward a retina of a wearer of the contact lens. At activity 7200, the light source and/or its emitted light can be switched, such as to cause and/or interrupt the emission of the light. At activity 7300, the light can be dynamically focused, such as onto the retina, such as via an electro-active lens. Before, during, and/or after reaching the electro-active lens, the light can be focused via a lens having a fixed optical power. At activity 7400, the light can be dynamically steered, such as to one or more predetermined locations on the retina. At activity 7500, the light can be scanned across one or more predetermined regions of the retina. At activity 7600, the light can generate and/or render one or more images on the retina.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an information device 8000, such as controller 70 of FIG. 4. Information device 8000 can comprise any of numerous transform circuits, which can be formed via any of numerous communicatively-, electrically-, magnetically-, optically-, fluidically-, and/or mechanically-coupled physical components, such as for example, one or more network interfaces 8100, one or more processors 8200, one or more memories 8300 containing instructions 8400, one or more input/output (I/O) devices 8500, and/or one or more user interfaces 8600 coupled to I/O device 8500, etc.

In certain exemplary embodiments, via one or more user interfaces 8600, such as a graphical user interface, a user can view a rendering of information related to researching, designing, modeling, creating, developing, building, manufacturing, operating, maintaining, storing, marketing, selling, delivering, selecting, specifying, requesting, ordering, receiving, returning, rating, and/or recommending any of the products, services, methods, user interfaces, and/or information described herein.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, via light from a light source, generating and/or rendering a detectable image on a region of a retina.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a device comprising:

-   -   a contact lens;     -   a contact lens adapted to render one or more predetermined         images;     -   a contact lens adapted to render one or more portions of one or         more predetermined images to a wearer of the contact lens;     -   the contact lens comprising:         -   a first light source;         -   a first light source embedded in and/or mounted to the             contact lens;         -   a first light source embedded in and/or mounted to the             contact lens, the first light source adapted to emit light             toward a retina of the wearer;         -   an electro-active lens;         -   an electro-active lens adapted to focus the light onto the             retina;         -   an electro-active lens adapted to adjustably focus the light             onto the retina;         -   an electro-active lens adapted to dynamically focus the             light onto the retina;         -   an electro-active lens adapted to dynamically adjustably             focus the light onto the retina;         -   an electro-active prism;         -   an electro-active prism adapted to steer the light;         -   an electro-active prism adapted to dynamically steer the             light;         -   an electro-active prism adapted to adjustably steer the             light;         -   an electro-active prism adapted to steer the light in two             orthogonal coordinate directions and toward one or more             predetermined locations on the retina; and         -   an electro-active prism adapted to dynamically adjustably             steer the light in two orthogonal coordinate directions and             toward one or more predetermined locations on the retina;             and         -   a controller adapted to:             -   control emission of the light from the light source;             -   dynamically control emission of the light from the light                 source;             -   control focusing of the light by the electro-active                 lens;             -   dynamically control focusing of the light by the                 electro-active lens;             -   control steering of the light by the electro-active                 prism; and/or             -   dynamically control steering of the light by the                 electro-active prism;     -   the device further comprising:         -   a power source for the contact lens;         -   a power source wirelessly coupled to the contact lens;         -   a gaze detector;         -   an eye position detector; and/or         -   an object position detector;     -   the contact lens further comprising:         -   a second light source adapted to emit light;         -   a second light source adapted to emit light having a             different color than light emitted by the first light             source;         -   a second light source adapted to emit light for generating a             different image than that of the first light source;         -   a collimating lens located in an optical path between the             first light source and the electro-active lens;         -   a collimating lens adapted to provide a fixed optical power             to the light;         -   a first electro-active prism layer adapted to steer the             light with respect to a first coordinate direction;         -   a first electro-active prism layer adapted to adjustably             steer the light with respect to a first coordinate             direction;         -   a second electro-active prism layer adapted to steer the             light;         -   a second electro-active prism layer adapted to adjustably             steer the light with respect to a second coordinate             direction;         -   a second electro-active prism layer adapted to adjustably             steer the light with respect to a second coordinate             direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first             coordinate direction;         -   a first electro-active prism layer adapted to steer the             light;         -   a first electro-active prism layer adapted to adjustably             steer the light;         -   a first electro-active prism layer adapted to adjustably             steer the light with respect to a first radial direction;         -   a first electro-active prism layer adapted to adjustably             steer the light with respect to a first angular direction;             and/or         -   a beam splitter adapted to divide the light into multiple             beams;     -   wherein:         -   the controller is embedded inside the contact lens;         -   the controller is adapted to communicate with the first             light source;         -   the controller is adapted to wirelessly communicate with the             first light source;         -   the controller is adapted to communicate with the             electro-active lens;         -   the controller is adapted to wirelessly communicate with the             electro-active lens;         -   the controller is adapted to communicate with the             electro-active prism;         -   the controller is adapted to wirelessly communicate with the             electro-active prism;         -   the first light source is a light emitting diode;         -   the first light source is an organic light emitting diode;         -   the controller is adapted to control emission of the light;         -   the controller is adapted to control emission of the light             in a variable manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control emission of the light             in a continuously variable manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control emission of the light             in a pulsed manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control emission of the light             in a discrete manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control emission of the light             in a discrete pulsed manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control optical power;         -   the controller is adapted to control optical power in a             variable manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control optical power in a             continuously variable manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control focus of the light;         -   the controller is adapted to control focus of the light in a             variable manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control focus of the light in a             continuously variable manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control steering of the light;         -   the controller is adapted to control steering of the light             in a variable manner;         -   the controller is adapted to control steering of the light             in a continuously variable manner;         -   the electro-active lens comprises a plurality of electrodes;         -   the electro-active lens comprises a plurality of circular             electrodes;         -   the electro-active lens comprises a plurality of             non-circular electrodes;         -   the electro-active lens provides spherical focus changes;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in gaze direction of the wearer;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in an absolute gaze direction of the             wearer;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in a relative gaze direction of the             wearer;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in position of the eye;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in absolute position of the eye;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in relative position of the eye;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in position of a predetermined object;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in absolute position of a predetermined             object;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to a change in relative position of a predetermined             object;         -   the controller is adapted to switch emission of the light in             response to an occurrence of a predetermined event;         -   the controller is adapted to couple a switch in emission of             the light with a predetermined action;         -   the controller is adapted to coordinate a switch in emission             of the light with a predetermined action;         -   the predetermined location on the retina is outside of the             macula.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide method comprising:

-   -   generating an image on a retina;     -   generating an image on a predetermined region of a retina;     -   generating an image on a adjustable region of a retina;     -   generating an image on a predetermined and adjustable region of         a retina;     -   generating a detectable image on a retina;     -   generating an adjustably focused detectable image on a retina;     -   generating an adjustably focused detectable image on the         predetermined and adjustable region of a retina;     -   via light adjustably emitted from a light source embedded in a         contact lens being worn on an eye of a wearer of the contact         lens, generating an adjustably focused detectable image on the         predetermined and adjustable region of a retina;     -   via light adjustably emitted from a light source embedded in a         contact lens being worn on an eye of a wearer of the contact         lens and scanned across a predetermined and adjustable region of         a retina of the wearer, generating an adjustably focused         detectable image on the predetermined and adjustable region of a         retina;     -   emitting the light generally toward the retina;     -   switching the light;     -   controlling emission of the light from the light source;     -   dynamically controlling emission of the light from the light         source;     -   providing a fixed optical power to the light;     -   focusing the light;     -   dynamically focusing the light;     -   controlling focusing of the light by an electro-active lens in         an optical path of the light;     -   dynamically controlling focusing of the light by an         electro-active lens in an optical path of the light;     -   steering the light;     -   dynamically steering the light;     -   control steering of the light by the electro-active prism;     -   dynamically control steering of the light by the electro-active         prism;     -   scanning the light across the retina; and/or     -   scanning the light across the predetermined and adjustable         region of the retina.

Definitions

When the following phrases are used substantively herein, the accompanying definitions apply. These phrases and definitions are presented without prejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefine these phrases via amendment during the prosecution of this application or any application claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose of interpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, each definition in that patent functions as a clear and unambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.

-   -   a—at least one.     -   aberration—one or more limitations and/or defects in an optical         component, such as a lens and/or mirror, that is contacted by a         plurality of light rays, such limitations and/or defects         preventing the light rays from converging at one focus and         potentially due to, e.g., the optical component comprising one         or more surfaces that are not perfectly planar, such as one or         more spherical surfaces.     -   absolute—something that is conceived or that exists         independently and not in relation to other things; something         that does not depend on anything else and is beyond human         control; and/or something that is not relative.     -   acquire—to obtain, get, import, receive, and/or gain possession         of.     -   across—from one side to another.     -   action—(n) a deed, act, activity, performance of a deed, act,         and/or activity, and/or something done and/or accomplished. (v)         to perform a deed, act, and/or activity.     -   activity—an action, act, step, and/or process or portion         thereof.     -   adapted to—suitable, fit, and/or capable of performing a         specified function.     -   adapter—a device used to effect operative compatibility between         different parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system.     -   adjust—to change so as to match, fit, adapt, conform, and/or be         in a more effective state.     -   align—to adjust substantially into a proper orientation and/or         location with respect to another thing.     -   an—at least one.     -   and—in conjunction with.     -   and/or—either in conjunction with or in alternative to.     -   angular—measured by an angle and/or by degrees of an arc.     -   apparatus—an appliance or device for a particular purpose     -   associate—to join, connect together, and/or relate.     -   auto-focus—a system in a camera that automatically adjusts the         lens so that the object being photographed is in focus, often         using a time delay associated with reflecting infrared light off         of the object to estimate the distance of the object from the         camera.     -   automatic—performed via an information device in a manner         essentially independent of influence and/or control by a user.         For example, an automatic light switch can turn on upon “seeing”         a person in its “view”, without the person manually operating         the light switch.     -   beam of light—a projection of light radiating from a source.     -   beam splitter—a device adapted to split or join a light beam         into or from two or more beams that differ in wavelength,         polarity, and/or direction.     -   being—existing.     -   between—in a separating interval and/or intermediate to.     -   Boolean logic—a complete system for logical operations.     -   border—to be located and/or positioned adjacent to an outer         edge, surface, and/or extent of an object.     -   bound—(n) a boundary, limit, and/or further extent of; (v) to         limit an extent.     -   bus—an electrical conductor that makes a common connection         between a plurality of circuits.     -   by—via and/or with the use and/or help of     -   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.     -   capture—to sense, receive, obtain, enter, store, and/or record         information and/or data in memory.     -   cause—to bring about, provoke, precipitate, produce, elicit, be         the reason for, result in, and/or effect.     -   change—(v.) to cause to be different; (n.) the act, process,         and/or result of altering and/or modifying.     -   circuit—a physical system comprising, depending on context: an         electrically conductive pathway, an information transmission         mechanism, and/or a communications connection, the pathway,         mechanism, and/or connection established via a switching device         (such as a switch, relay, transistor, and/or logic gate, etc.);         and/or an electrically conductive pathway, an information         transmission mechanism, and/or a communications connection, the         pathway, mechanism, and/or connection established across two or         more switching devices comprised by a network and between         corresponding end systems connected to, but not comprised by the         network.     -   circular—a substantially round shape in which all points on a         perimeter of the shape are substantially equidistant from a         center of the shape.     -   co-operate—to work, act, and/or function together and/or in         harmony, as opposed to separately and/or in competition.     -   collimate—to make parallel.     -   color—(n.) a visual property dependent on the reflection or         absorption of light from a given surface that has         characteristics of hue, intensity, and value; (v.) to change a         visual property dependent on the reflection or absorption of         light from a given surface that has characteristics of hue,         intensity, and value.     -   comprising—including but not limited to.     -   concentric—having a common central axis.     -   conductor—an electrically conductive material and/or component         adapted to apply a voltage to an electro-active material.     -   configure—to make suitable or fit for a specific use or         situation.     -   connect—to join or fasten together.     -   contact—to physically touch and/or come together.     -   contact lens—a substantially transparent ophthalmic device that         fits over the cornea of the eye, that floats on the tears of the         eye, and/or is held in place by one or more eyelids.     -   containing—including but not limited to.     -   contiguous—neighboring and/or adjacent.     -   continuously—in a manner uninterrupted in time, sequence,         substance, and/or extent.     -   contrast—the difference in brightness between the light and dark         areas of an image, such as a photograph and/or video image.     -   control—(n) a mechanical and/or electronic device used to         operate a machine within predetermined limits; (v) to exercise         authoritative and/or dominating influence over, cause to act in         a predetermined manner, direct, adjust to a requirement, and/or         regulate.     -   controller—a device and/or set of machine-readable instructions         for performing one or more predetermined and/or user-defined         tasks. A controller can comprise any one or a combination of         hardware, firmware, and/or software. A controller can utilize         mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, magnetic, optical,         informational, chemical, and/or biological principles, signals,         and/or inputs to perform the task(s). In certain embodiments, a         controller can act upon information by manipulating, analyzing,         modifying, converting, transmitting the information for use by         an executable procedure and/or an information device, and/or         routing the information to an output device. A controller can be         a central processing unit, a local controller, a remote         controller, parallel controllers, and/or distributed         controllers, etc. The controller can be a general-purpose         microcontroller, such the Pentium IV series of microprocessor         manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif.,         and/or the HC08 series from Motorola of Schaumburg, Ill. In         another embodiment, the controller can be an Application         Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate         Array (FPGA) that has been designed to implement in its hardware         and/or firmware at least a part of an embodiment disclosed         herein.     -   convert—to transform, adapt, and/or change.     -   coordinate—any of a set of two or more numbers used to determine         the position of a point, line, curve, or plane in a space of a         given dimension with respect to a system of lines or other fixed         references.     -   corresponding—related, associated, accompanying, similar in         purpose and/or position, conforming in every respect, and/or         equivalent and/or agreeing in amount, quantity, magnitude,         quality, and/or degree.     -   couple—to join, connect, and/or link by any known approach,         including mechanical, fluidic, acoustic, electrical, magnetic,         and/or optical, etc. approaches.     -   coupleable—capable of being joined, connected, and/or linked         together.     -   coupled—connected or linked by any known means, including         mechanical, fluidic, acoustic, electrical, magnetic, and/or         optical, etc.     -   coupling—linking in some fashion.     -   coupling—linking in some fashion.     -   create—to bring into being.     -   data—distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a         special or predetermined way and/or organized to express         concepts, and/or represented in a form suitable for processing         by an information device.     -   data structure—an organization of a collection of data that         allows the data to be manipulated effectively and/or a logical         relationship among data elements that is designed to support         specific data manipulation functions. A data structure can         comprise meta data to describe the properties of the data         structure. Examples of data structures can include: array,         dictionary, graph, hash, heap, linked list, matrix, object,         queue, ring, stack, tree, and/or vector.     -   define—to establish the outline, form, and/or structure of     -   deposit—to put, lay, place, position, and/or set down; and/or to         fasten, fix, and/or secure.     -   detect—to sense, perceive, identify, discover, ascertain,         respond to, and/or receive the existence, presence, and/or fact         of.     -   determine—to find out, obtain, calculate, decide, deduce,         ascertain, and/or come to a decision, typically by         investigation, reasoning, and/or calculation.     -   device—a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.     -   different—changed, distinct, and/or separate.     -   diffraction—the bending of a light ray in passing an edge formed         by contiguous opaque and transparent edges.     -   digital—non-analog and/or discrete.     -   direction—a spatial relation between something and a course         along which it points and/or moves; a distance independent         relationship between two points in space that specifies the         position of either with respect to the other; and/or a         relationship by which the alignment and/or orientation of any         position with respect to any other position is established.     -   discrete—separate, distinct, and/or individual.     -   distance—a measure of physical separation.     -   diverge—to go or extend in different directions from a common         point.     -   divide—to separate and/or segregate.     -   dynamically—on demand, as necessary, and/or in an interactive         manner wherein a current state is dependent on a past and/or         future input and/or output.     -   edge—a periphery, border, and/or boundary.     -   electric—powered by electricity.     -   electrically—of, relating to, producing, or operated by         electricity.     -   electrically coupled—connected in a manner adapted to allow a         flow of electricity therebetween.     -   electro-active—a branch of technology concerning the interaction         between various properties and electrical and/or electronic         states of materials and/or involving components, devices,         systems, and/or processes that operate by modifying the certain         properties of a material by applying to it an electrical and/or         magnetic field. Sub-branches of this technology include, but are         not limited to, electro-optics.     -   electro-active element—a component that utilizes an         electro-active effect, such as an electro-active filter,         reflector, lens, shutter, liquid crystal retarder, active (i.e.,         non-passive) polarity filter, electro-active element that is         movable via an electro-active actuator, and/or conventional lens         movable by an electro-active actuator.     -   electro-optic—a branch of technology concerning the interaction         between the electromagnetic (optical) and the electrical         (electronic) states of materials and/or involving components,         devices, systems, and/or processes that operate by modifying the         optical properties of a material by applying to it an electrical         field.     -   electrode—a conductor through which an electric current enters         and/or leaves a substance whose electrical characteristics are         being measured, used, and/or manipulated; a terminal point in a         transistor, diode, and/or battery; and/or an electrically         conducting element that emits and/or collects electrons and/or         ions and/or controls their movement by means of an electric         field applied to it.     -   emanate—to emit, radiate, and/or shine.     -   embed—to implant, fix, and/or set securely and/or deeply.     -   emission—the result of emitting.     -   emit—to give off, send forth, and/or discharge.     -   estimate—(n) a calculated value approximating an actual         value; (v) to calculate and/or determine approximately and/or         tentatively.     -   etch—to wear away the surface of material (such as a metal,         glass, etc.) by chemical action, such as the action of an acid.     -   event—an occurrence and/or happening.     -   eye—an organ of vision and/or light sensitivity; and/or either         of a pair of hollow structures located in bony sockets of the         skull, functioning together or independently, each having a lens         capable of focusing incident light on an internal photosensitive         retina from which nerve impulses are sent to the brain.     -   far—a CTO distance of at least approximately 3 or more meters.     -   field—a region of space characterized by a physical property,         such as gravitational or electromagnetic force or fluid         pressure, having a determinable value at every point in the         region.     -   field of view—a range of space over which a camera can obtain an         image and/or the angle between two rays passing through the         perspective center (rear nodal point) of a camera lens to the         two opposite sides of the format.     -   first—an initial entity in an ordering of entities and/or         immediately preceding the second in an ordering.     -   fixed—a stable and/or unalterable form.     -   flat—having a substantially planar major face and/or having a         relatively broad surface in relation to thickness or depth.     -   focus—to cause energy and/or light to concentrate and/or         converge.     -   for—with a purpose of     -   form—to produce, make, create, generate, construct, and/or         shape.     -   Fresnel lens—a thin optical lens comprising concentric rings of         segmental lenses.     -   from —used to indicate a source, origin, and/or location         thereof.     -   further—in addition.     -   gaze—to look and/or a direction one is looking.     -   generate—to create, produce, give rise to, and/or bring into         existence.     -   gradient—a rate of change with respect to distance of a variable         quantity.     -   grid—a network of lines, real or conceptual, that cross each         other to form a series of regular shapes.     -   haptic—involving the human sense of kinesthetic movement and/or         the human sense of touch. Among the many potential haptic         experiences are numerous sensations, body-positional differences         in sensations, and time-based changes in sensations that are         perceived at least partially in non-visual, non-audible, and         non-olfactory manners, including the experiences of tactile         touch (being touched), active touch, grasping, pressure,         friction, traction, slip, stretch, force, torque, impact,         puncture, vibration, motion, acceleration, jerk, pulse,         orientation, limb position, gravity, texture, gap, recess,         viscosity, pain, itch, moisture, temperature, thermal         conductivity, and thermal capacity.     -   having—possessing, characterized by, comprising, and/or         including, but not limited to.     -   human-machine interface—hardware and/or software adapted to         render information to a user and/or receive information from the         user; and/or a user interface.     -   illuminate—to provide and/or brighten with light.     -   image—an at least two-dimensional representation of an object,         entity, and/or phenomenon. Multiple images can be presented in a         predetermined and timed sequence to recreate and/or produce an         appearance of movement.     -   impinge—to collide and/or strike.     -   including—including but not limited to.     -   index of refraction—a measure of the extent to which a substance         slows down light waves passing through it. The index of         refraction of a substance is equal to the ratio of the velocity         of light in a vacuum to its speed in that substance. Its value         determines the extent to which light is refracted when entering         or leaving the substance.     -   indium tin oxide—a solid solution of indium(III) oxide (In2O3)         and tin(IV) oxide (SnO2), typically 90% In2O3, 10% SnO2 by         weight, that is typically transparent and colorless in thin         layers and can serve as a metal-like mirror in the infrared         region of the electro-magnetic spectrum. It is a widely used         transparent conducting oxide due to its electrical conductivity         and optical transparency. Thin films of indium tin oxide are         most commonly deposited on surfaces by electron beam         evaporation, physical vapor deposition, and/or a range of         sputter deposition techniques.     -   individually—of or relating to a distinct entity.     -   information device—any device capable of processing data and/or         information, such as any general purpose and/or special purpose         computer, such as a personal computer, workstation, server,         minicomputer, mainframe, supercomputer, computer terminal,         laptop, tablet computer (such as an iPad-like device), wearable         computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), mobile terminal,         Bluetooth device, communicator, “smart” phone (such as an         iPhone-like device), messaging service (e.g., Blackberry)         receiver, pager, facsimile, cellular telephone, traditional         telephone, telephonic device, embedded controller, programmed         microprocessor or microcontroller and/or peripheral integrated         circuit elements, ASIC or other integrated circuit, hardware         electronic logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit,         and/or programmable logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, or         PAL, or the like, etc. In general, any device on which resides a         finite state machine capable of implementing at least a portion         of a method, structure, and/or or graphical user interface         described herein may be used as an information device. An         information device can comprise components such as one or more         network interfaces, one or more processors, one or more memories         containing instructions, and/or one or more input/output (I/O)         devices, one or more user interfaces coupled to an I/O device,         etc. In information device can be a component of and/or augment         another device, such as an appliance, machine, tool, robot,         vehicle, television, printer, “smart” utility meter, etc.     -   initialize—to prepare something for use and/or some future         event.     -   input/output (I/O) device—any device adapted to provide input         to, and/or receive output from, an information device. Examples         can include an audio, visual, haptic, olfactory, and/or         taste-oriented device, including, for example, a monitor,         display, projector, overhead display, keyboard, keypad, mouse,         trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel,         pointing device, microphone, speaker, video camera, camera,         scanner, printer, switch, relay, haptic device, vibrator,         tactile simulator, and/or tactile pad, potentially including a         port to which an I/O device can be attached or connected.     -   inside—within a predetermined boundary.     -   install—to connect or set in position and prepare for use.     -   instructions—directions, which can be implemented as hardware,         firmware, and/or software, the directions adapted to perform a         particular operation and/or function via creation and/or         maintenance of a predetermined physical circuit.     -   insulating—having a substantial resistance to the flow of         electrical current.     -   into—toward, in the direction of, and/or to the inside of.     -   is—to exist in actuality.     -   layer—a single thickness of a material covering a surface or         forming an overlying part or segment; a ply, strata, and/or         sheet; a stratum, course, lamina, coating or sheet that is         sufficiently recognizable as such regardless of the constituent         material involved; and/or a discontinuous material or materials         within a single plane having a single function.     -   lens—a piece of transparent substance, often glass and/or         plastic, having two opposite surfaces either both curved or one         curved and one plane, used in an optical device for changing the         convergence and/or focal point of light rays; and/or an optical         device that transmits light and is adapted to cause the light to         refract, concentrate, and/or diverge. A lens can be an         ophthalmic lens, such as a spectacle lens, an intra ocular lens,         and/or a contact lens.     -   light—electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a         range of approximately 300 nanometers to approximately 1000         nanometers, including any and all values and subranges         therebetween, such as from approximately 400 to approximately         700 nm, from the near infrared through the long wavelength, far         infrared, and/or from the ultraviolet to X-rays and/or gamma         rays.     -   light emitting diode (LED)—a semiconductor device that emits         (typically visible) light responsive to an applied electrical         conducting current.     -   light source—a device adapted to emit light responsive to an         applied electrical current.     -   liquid—a body of matter that exhibits a characteristic readiness         to flow, little or no tendency to disperse, and relatively high         incompressibility, including pumpable and/or flowable slurries         and/or suspensions.     -   liquid crystal—any of various liquids in which the atoms or         molecules are regularly arrayed in either one dimension or two         dimensions, the order giving rise to optical properties, such as         anisotropic scattering, associated with the crystals.     -   locate—to place, set, find, and/or situate in a particular spot,         region, and/or position.     -   located—situated approximately in a particular spot and/or         position.     -   location—a place where, and/or substantially approximating         where, something physically exists.     -   logic gate—a physical device adapted to perform a logical         operation on one or more logic inputs and to produce a single         logic output, which is manifested physically. Because the output         is also a logic-level value, an output of one logic gate can         connect to the input of one or more other logic gates, and via         such combinations, complex operations can be performed. The         logic normally performed is Boolean logic and is most commonly         found in digital circuits. The most common implementations of         logic gates are based on electronics using resistors,         transistors, and/or diodes, and such implementations often         appear in large arrays in the form of integrated circuits         (a.k.a., IC's, microcircuits, microchips, silicon chips, and/or         chips). It is possible, however, to create logic gates that         operate based on vacuum tubes, electromagnetics (e.g., relays),         mechanics (e.g., gears), fluidics, optics, chemical reactions,         and/or DNA, including on a molecular scale. Each         electronically-implemented logic gate typically has two inputs         and one output, each having a logic level or state typically         physically represented by a voltage. At any given moment, every         terminal is in one of the two binary logic states (“false”         (a.k.a., “low” or “0”) or “true” (a.k.a., “high” or “1”),         represented by different voltage levels, yet the logic state of         a terminal can, and generally does, change often, as the circuit         processes data. Thus, each electronic logic gate typically         requires power so that it can source and/or sink currents to         achieve the correct output voltage. Typically,         machine-implementable instructions are ultimately encoded into         binary values of “0”s and/or “1”s and, are typically written         into and/or onto a memory device, such as a “register”, which         records the binary value as a change in a physical property of         the memory device, such as a change in voltage, current, charge,         phase, pressure, weight, height, tension, level, gap, position,         velocity, momentum, force, temperature, polarity, magnetic         field, magnetic force, magnetic orientation, reflectivity,         molecular linkage, molecular weight, etc. An exemplary register         might store a value of “01101100”, which encodes a total of 8         “bits” (one byte), where each value of either “0” or “1” is         called a “bit” (and 8 bits are collectively called a “byte”).         Note that because a binary bit can only have one of two         different values (either “0” or “1”), any physical medium         capable of switching between two saturated states can be used to         represent a bit. Therefore, any physical system capable of         representing binary bits is able to represent numerical         quantities, and potentially can manipulate those numbers via         particular encoded machine-implementable instructions. This is         one of the basic concepts underlying digital computing. At the         register and/or gate level, a computer does not treat these “0”s         and “1”s as numbers per se, but typically as voltage levels (in         the case of an electronically-implemented computer), for         example, a high voltage of approximately +3 volts might         represent a “1” or “logical true” and a low voltage of         approximately 0 volts might represent a “0” or “logical false”         (or vice versa, depending on how the circuitry is designed).         These high and low voltages (or other physical properties,         depending on the nature of the implementation) are typically fed         into a series of logic gates, which in turn, through the correct         logic design, produce the physical and logical results specified         by the particular encoded machine-implementable instructions.         For example, if the encoding request a calculation, the logic         gates might add the first two bits of the encoding together,         produce a result “1” (“0”+“1”=“1”), and then write this result         into another register for subsequent retrieval and reading. Or,         if the encoding is a request for some kind of service, the logic         gates might in turn access or write into some other registers         which would in turn trigger other logic gates to initiate the         requested service.     -   logical—a conceptual representation.     -   machine-implementable instructions—directions adapted to cause a         machine, such as an information device, to perform one or more         particular activities, operations, and/or functions via forming         a particular physical circuit. The directions, which can         sometimes form an entity called a “processor”, “kernel”,         “operating system”, “program”, “application”, “utility”,         “subroutine”, “script”, “macro”, “file”, “project”, “module”,         “library”, “class”, and/or “object”, etc., can be embodied         and/or encoded as machine code, source code, object code,         compiled code, assembled code, interpretable code, and/or         executable code, etc., in hardware, firmware, and/or software.     -   machine-readable medium—a physical structure from which a         machine, such as an information device, computer,         microprocessor, and/or controller, etc., can store one or more         machine-implementable instructions, data, and/or information         and/or obtain one or more stored machine-implementable         instructions, data, and/or information. Examples include a         memory device, punch card, player-piano scroll, etc.     -   macula—A minute area located near the center of the retina of         the eye, at which visual perception is most acute.     -   manner—a mode of action.     -   match—to mirror, resemble, harmonize, fit, correspond, and/or         determine a correspondence between, two or more values,         entities, and/or groups of entities.     -   material—a substance and/or composition.     -   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some         embodiments.     -   memory device—an apparatus capable of storing, sometimes         permanently, machine-implementable instructions, data, and/or         information, in analog and/or digital format. Examples include         at least one non-volatile memory, volatile memory, register,         relay, switch, Random Access Memory, RAM, Read Only Memory, ROM,         flash memory, magnetic media, hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic         tape, optical media, optical disk, compact disk, CD, digital         versatile disk, DVD, and/or raid array, etc. The memory device         can be coupled to a processor and/or can store and provide         instructions adapted to be executed by processor, such as         according to an embodiment disclosed herein.     -   method—one or more acts that are performed upon subject matter         to be transformed to a different state or thing and/or are tied         to a particular apparatus, said one or more acts not a         fundamental principal and not pre-empting all uses of a         fundamental principal.     -   middle—a CTO distance within a range of approximately 0.7 to         approximately 1.3 meters.     -   more—a quantifier meaning greater in size, amount, extent,         and/or degree.     -   mount—(n) that upon which a thing is attached. (v) to couple,         fix, and/or attach on and/or to something.     -   multiple—more than one.     -   near—a CTO distance of less than approximately 0.2 meters.     -   network—a communicatively coupled plurality of nodes,         communication devices, and/or information devices. Via a         network, such nodes and/or devices can be linked, such as via         various wireline and/or wireless media, such as cables,         telephone lines, power lines, optical fibers, radio waves,         and/or light beams, etc., to share resources (such as printers         and/or memory devices), exchange files, and/or allow electronic         communications therebetween. A network can be and/or can utilize         any of a wide variety of sub-networks and/or protocols, such as         a circuit switched, public-switched, packet switched,         connection-less, wireless, virtual, radio, data, telephone,         twisted pair, POTS, non-POTS, DSL, cellular, telecommunications,         video distribution, cable, radio, terrestrial, microwave,         broadcast, satellite, broadband, corporate, global, national,         regional, wide area, backbone, packet-switched TCP/IP, IEEE         802.03, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, local area, wide         area, IP, public Internet, intranet, private, ATM, Ultra Wide         Band (UWB), Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, Airport, IEEE 802.11, IEEE         802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, X-10, electrical power, 3G,         4G, multi-domain, and/or multi-zone sub-network and/or protocol,         one or more Internet service providers, one or more network         interfaces, and/or one or more information devices, such as a         switch, router, and/or gateway not directly connected to a local         area network, etc., and/or any equivalents thereof.     -   network interface—any physical and/or logical device, system,         and/or process capable of coupling an information device to a         network. Exemplary network interfaces comprise a telephone,         cellular phone, cellular modem, telephone data modem, fax modem,         wireless transceiver, communications port, ethernet card, cable         modem, digital subscriber line interface, bridge, hub, router,         or other similar device, software to manage such a device,         and/or software to provide a function of such a device.     -   non-overlapping—not extending over or covering a part of     -   object—a discrete thing that is real, perceptible, and tangible.     -   occurrence—an action, fact, and/or instance of occurring; and/or         something that takes place.     -   offset—in a location near to but distinguishable from a given         point or area.     -   one—being or amounting to a single unit, individual, and/or         entire thing, item, and/or object.     -   onto—upon, to a position on, and/or on top of.     -   opposing—opposite; against; being the other of two complementary         or mutually exclusive things; placed or located opposite, in         contrast, in counterbalance, and/or across from something else         and/or from each other.     -   optical—of or relating to light, sight, and/or a visual         representation.     -   optical path—imaginary lines passing on the principal and         secondary axes from the center of the retina to the object         viewed.     -   or—used to indicate alternatives, typically appearing only         before the last item in a group of alternative items.     -   organic light emitting diode—a self-luminous diode (it glows         when an electrical field is applied to the electrodes) that         typically does not require backlighting or diffusers.     -   orthogonal—perpendicular.     -   outside—the space beyond a boundary and/or limit.     -   overlap—to extend over and cover a part of     -   packet—a generic term for a bundle of data organized in a         specific way for transmission, such as within and/or across a         network, such as a digital packet-switching network, and         comprising the data to be transmitted and certain control         information, such as a destination address.     -   perceptible—capable of being perceived by the human senses.     -   perpendicular—intersecting at or forming substantially right         angles; and/or substantially at a right angle with respect to an         axis.     -   phase—a relationship in time between successive states and/or         cycles of an oscillating and/or repeating system (such as an         alternating electric current, one or more light waves, and/or a         sound wave) and: a fixed reference point; the states of another         system; and/or the cycles of another system.     -   photograph—(n) an image created by collecting and focusing         reflected electromagnetic radiation. The most common photographs         are those created of reflected visible wavelengths, producing         permanent records of what the human eye can see. (v) to record         an image.     -   photolithography—a process whereby metallic foils, fluidic         circuits, and/or printed circuits can be created by exposing a         photosensitive substrate to a pattern, such as a predesigned         structural pattern and/or a circuit pattern, and chemically         etching away either the exposed or unexposed portion of the         substrate.     -   photon—a particle representing a quantum of light and/or other         electromagnetic radiation, the particle having zero rest mass         and carrying energy proportional to the frequency of the         radiation.     -   physical—tangible, real, and/or actual.     -   physically—existing, happening, occurring, acting, and/or         operating in a manner that is tangible, real, and/or actual.     -   plurality—the state of being plural and/or more than one.     -   point—(n.) a defined physical and/or logical location in at         least a two-dimensional system and/or an element in a         geometrically described set and/or a measurement or         representation of a measurement having a time coordinate and a         non-time coordinate. (v.) to indicate a position and/or         direction of     -   portion—a part, component, section, percentage, ratio, and/or         quantity that is less than a larger whole. Can be visually,         physically, and/or virtually distinguishable and/or         non-distinguishable.     -   position—(n) a place and/or location, often relative to a         reference point. (v) to place and/or locate.     -   power—(n) a measure of an ability of a vision system, eye, lens,         and/or lens-assisted eye, to refract, magnify, separate,         converge, and/or diverge; and/or a general term that may refer         to any power such as effective, equivalent, dioptric, focal,         refractive, surface, and/or vergence power; and/or energy, a         measure of energy and/or work, and/or a rate at which work is         done, expressed as the amount of work per unit time and commonly         measured in units such as watt and horsepower; (v) to energize,         such as via applying electricity.     -   pre-—a prefix that precedes an activity that has occurred         beforehand and/or in advance.     -   predetermined—determined, decided, obtained, calculated, and/or         established in advance.     -   prism—a substantially transparent body used for reflecting beams         of light and/or separating white light passed through it into a         spectrum.     -   probability—a quantitative representation of a likelihood of an         occurrence.     -   processor—a machine that utilizes hardware, firmware, and/or         software and is physically adaptable to perform, via Boolean         logic operating on a plurality of logic gates that form         particular physical circuits, a specific task defined by a set         of machine-implementable instructions. A processor can utilize         mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, magnetic, optical,         informational, chemical, and/or biological principles,         mechanisms, adaptations, signals, inputs, and/or outputs to         perform the task(s). In certain embodiments, a processor can act         upon information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, and/or         converting it, transmitting the information for use by         machine-implementable instructions and/or an information device,         and/or routing the information to an output device. A processor         can function as a central processing unit, local controller,         remote controller, parallel controller, and/or distributed         controller, etc. Unless stated otherwise, the processor can be a         general-purpose device, such as a microcontroller and/or a         microprocessor, such the Pentium family of microprocessor         manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. In         certain embodiments, the processor can be dedicated purpose         device, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit         (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that has been         designed to implement in its hardware and/or firmware at least a         part of an embodiment disclosed herein. A processor can reside         on and use the capabilities of a controller.     -   programmatically—of, relating to, or having a program and/or         instructions.     -   project—to calculate, estimate, or predict.     -   provide—to furnish, supply, give, convey, send, and/or make         available.     -   pulse—a transient variation of a quantity (such as electric         current or voltage) whose value is otherwise constant. Sometimes         repeated with a regular period and/or according to some code.     -   radial—pertaining to that which radiates from and/or converges         to a common center and/or has or is characterized by parts so         arranged or so radiating.     -   receive—to get as a signal, take, acquire, and/or obtain.     -   recommend—to suggest, praise, commend, and/or endorse.     -   record—(v) to gather, capture, store, and/or preserve         information on a tangible medium.     -   reduce—to make and/or become lesser and/or smaller.     -   region—an area and/or zone.     -   relative—considered with reference to and/or in comparison to         something else.     -   relative position—a location with reference to a definable         object.     -   render—to, e.g., physically, chemically, biologically,         electronically, electrically, magnetically, optically,         acoustically, fluidically, and/or mechanically, etc., transform         information into a form perceptible to a human as, for example,         data, commands, text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and/or         hyperlinks, etc., such as via a visual, audio, and/or haptic,         etc., means and/or depiction, such as via a display, monitor,         electric paper, lens, ocular implant, cochlear implant, speaker,         vibrator, shaker, force-feedback device, stylus, joystick,         steering wheel, glove, blower, heater, cooler, pin array,         tactile touchscreen, etc.     -   repeatedly—again and again; repetitively.     -   request—to express a desire for and/or ask for.     -   resolution—a degree of sharpness of an image.     -   response—a reaction, reply, and/or answer to an influence and/or         impetus.     -   retina—the light-sensitive membrane forming the inner lining of         the posterior wall of the eyeball, composed largely of a         specialized terminal expansion of the optic nerve. Images         focused here typically are transmitted to the brain as nerve         impulses.     -   ring—a substantially toroidal object that can be imagined as         having been generated by rotating a closed loop (e.g., ellipse,         circle, irregular curve, polygon, etc.) about a fixed line         external to the loop.     -   scan—to move a finely focused beam of light or electrons in a         systematic pattern over (a surface) in order to reproduce or         sense and subsequently transmit an image.     -   scene—a place where action occurs and/or where an object of         interest is present; something seen by a viewer; and/or a view         and/or prospect.     -   select—to make a choice or selection from alternatives.     -   sensor—a device adapted to automatically sense, perceive,         detect, and/or measure a physical property (e.g., pressure,         temperature, flow, mass, heat, light, sound, humidity,         proximity, position, velocity, vibration, loudness, voltage,         current, capacitance, resistance, inductance, magnetic flux,         and/or electro-magnetic radiation, etc.) and convert that         physical quantity into a signal. Examples include position         sensors, proximity switches, stain gages, photo sensors,         thermocouples, level indicating devices, speed sensors,         accelerometers, electrical voltage indicators, electrical         current indicators, on/off indicators, and/or flowmeters, etc.     -   separated—not touching and/or spaced apart by something.     -   server—an information device and/or a process running thereon,         that is adapted to be communicatively coupled to a network and         that is adapted to provide at least one service for at least one         client, i.e., for at least one other information device         communicatively coupled to the network and/or for at least one         process running on another information device communicatively         coupled to the network. One example is a file server, which has         a local drive and services requests from remote clients to read,         write, and/or manage files on that drive. Another example is an         e-mail server, which provides at least one program that accepts,         temporarily stores, relays, and/or delivers e-mail messages.         Still another example is a database server, which processes         database queries. Yet another example is a device server, which         provides networked and/or programmable: access to, and/or         monitoring, management, and/or control of, shared physical         resources and/or devices, such as information devices, printers,         modems, scanners, projectors, displays, lights, cameras,         security equipment, proximity readers, card readers, kiosks,         POS/retail equipment, phone systems, residential equipment, HVAC         equipment, medical equipment, laboratory equipment, industrial         equipment, machine tools, pumps, fans, motor drives, scales,         programmable logic controllers, sensors, data collectors,         actuators, alarms, annunciators, and/or input/output devices,         etc.     -   set—a related plurality.     -   sharpness—acuteness and/or distinctness.     -   signal—(v) to communicate; (n) one or more automatically         detectable variations in a physical variable, such as a         pneumatic, hydraulic, acoustic, fluidic, mechanical, electrical,         magnetic, optical, chemical, and/or biological variable, such as         power, energy, pressure, flowrate, viscosity, density, torque,         impact, force, frequency, phase, voltage, current, resistance,         magnetomotive force, magnetic field intensity, magnetic field         flux, magnetic flux density, reluctance, permeability, index of         refraction, optical wavelength, polarization, reflectance,         transmittance, phase shift, concentration, and/or temperature,         etc., that can encode information, such as machine-implementable         instructions for activities and/or one or more letters, words,         characters, symbols, signal flags, visual displays, and/or         special sounds, etc., having prearranged meaning. Depending on         the context, a signal and/or the information encoded therein can         be synchronous, asynchronous, hard real-time, soft real-time,         non-real time, continuously generated, continuously varying,         analog, discretely generated, discretely varying, quantized,         digital, broadcast, multicast, unicast, transmitted, conveyed,         received, continuously measured, discretely measured, processed,         encoded, encrypted, multiplexed, modulated, spread, de-spread,         demodulated, detected, de-multiplexed, decrypted, and/or         decoded, etc.     -   solid angle—a three-dimensional angle, formed by three or more         planes intersecting at a common point. Its magnitude is measured         in steradians, a unitless measure. The corner of a room forms a         solid angle, as does the apex of a cone; one can imagine an         indefinite number of planes forming the smooth round surface of         the cone all intersecting at the apex. Solid angles are commonly         used in photometry.     -   special purpose computer—a computer and/or information device         comprising a processor device having a plurality of logic gates,         whereby at least a portion of those logic gates, via         implementation of specific machine-implementable instructions by         the processor, experience a change in at least one physical and         measurable property, such as a voltage, current, charge, phase,         pressure, weight, height, tension, level, gap, position,         velocity, momentum, force, temperature, polarity, magnetic         field, magnetic force, magnetic orientation, reflectivity,         molecular linkage, molecular weight, etc., thereby directly         tying the specific machine-implementable instructions to the         logic gate's specific configuration and property(ies). In the         context of an electronic computer, each such change in the logic         gates creates a specific electrical circuit, thereby directly         tying the specific machine-implementable instructions to that         specific electrical circuit.     -   special purpose processor—a processor device, having a plurality         of logic gates, whereby at least a portion of those logic gates,         via implementation of specific machine-implementable         instructions by the processor, experience a change in at least         one physical and measurable property, such as a voltage,         current, charge, phase, pressure, weight, height, tension,         level, gap, position, velocity, momentum, force, temperature,         polarity, magnetic field, magnetic force, magnetic orientation,         reflectivity, molecular linkage, molecular weight, etc., thereby         directly tying the specific machine-implementable instructions         to the logic gate's specific configuration and property(ies). In         the context of an electronic computer, each such change in the         logic gates creates a specific electrical circuit, thereby         directly tying the specific machine-implementable instructions         to that specific electrical circuit.     -   spherical—of, relating to, and/or having a shape approximating         that of a sphere.     -   steer—to guide, maneuver, and/or direct the course of.     -   store—to place, hold, and/or retain data, typically in a memory.     -   structure—something made up of a number of parts that are held         and/or put together in a particular way.     -   substantially—to a great extent and/or degree.     -   substrate—an underlying material, region, base, stratum, course,         lamina, coating, and/or sheet.     -   sufficiently—to a degree necessary to achieve a predetermined         result.     -   support—to bear the weight of, especially from below.     -   surface—the outer boundary of an object and/or a material layer         constituting and/or resembling such a boundary.     -   switch—(n.) a mechanical, electrical, and/or electronic device         that opens and/or closes circuits, completes and/or breaks an         electrical path, selects paths and/or circuits, and/or is         adapted to switch; (v.) to: form, open, and/or close one or more         circuits; form, complete, and/or break an electrical and/or         informational path; alternate between electrically energizing         and de-energizing; select a path and/or circuit from a plurality         of available paths and/or circuits; and/or establish a         connection between disparate transmission path segments in a         network (or between networks).     -   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines, articles         of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the         collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.     -   than—used to introduce the second element of a comparison, the         first element of which expresses difference; used after adverbs         such as rather or sooner to introduce a rejected alternative in         an expression of preference; besides; and/or in addition to.     -   that—a pronoun used to indicate a thing as indicated, mentioned         before, present, and/or well known.     -   toward—used to indicate a destination and/or in a physical         and/or logical direction of.     -   transform—to change in measurable: form, appearance, nature,         and/or character.     -   transmit—to send as a signal, provide, furnish, and/or supply.     -   transparent—clear; characterized by conveying incident light         without reflecting or absorbing a substantial portion of that         light; and/or having the property of transmitting rays of light         through its substance so that bodies situated beyond or behind         can be distinctly seen.     -   two—a cardinal number equal to one plus one.     -   unique—separate and distinct.     -   user interface—any device for rendering information to a user         and/or requesting information from the user. A user interface         includes at least one of textual, graphical, audio, video,         animation, and/or haptic elements. A textual element can be         provided, for example, by a printer, monitor, display,         projector, etc. A graphical element can be provided, for         example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or visual         indication device, such as a light, flag, beacon, etc. An audio         element can be provided, for example, via a speaker, microphone,         and/or other sound generating and/or receiving device. A video         element or animation element can be provided, for example, via a         monitor, display, projector, and/or other visual device. A         haptic element can be provided, for example, via a very low         frequency speaker, vibrator, tactile stimulator, tactile pad,         simulator, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, joystick,         gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing device, and/or         other haptic device, etc. A user interface can include one or         more textual elements such as, for example, one or more letters,         number, symbols, etc. A user interface can include one or more         graphical elements such as, for example, an image, photograph,         drawing, icon, window, title bar, panel, sheet, tab, drawer,         matrix, table, form, calendar, outline view, frame, dialog box,         static text, text box, list, pick list, pop-up list, pull-down         list, menu, tool bar, dock, check box, radio button, hyperlink,         browser, button, control, palette, preview panel, color wheel,         dial, slider, scroll bar, cursor, status bar, stepper, and/or         progress indicator, etc. A textual and/or graphical element can         be used for selecting, programming, adjusting, changing,         specifying, etc. an appearance, background color, background         style, border style, border thickness, foreground color, font,         font style, font size, alignment, line spacing, indent, maximum         data length, validation, query, cursor type, pointer type,         autosizing, position, and/or dimension, etc. A user interface         can include one or more audio elements such as, for example, a         volume control, pitch control, speed control, voice selector,         and/or one or more elements for controlling audio play, speed,         pause, fast forward, reverse, etc. A user interface can include         one or more video elements such as, for example, elements         controlling video play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse,         zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, and/or tilt, etc. A user interface         can include one or more animation elements such as, for example,         elements controlling animation play, pause, fast forward,         reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, tilt, color, intensity,         speed, frequency, appearance, etc. A user interface can include         one or more haptic elements such as, for example, elements         utilizing tactile stimulus, force, pressure, vibration, motion,         displacement, temperature, etc.     -   variable—(n) a property, parameter, and/or characteristic         capable of assuming any of an associated set of values. (adj)         likely to change and/or vary; subject to variation; and/or         changeable.     -   variable-focus—having the quality of adjustable focus in a         single specified optic.     -   vary—to change, alter, and/or modify one or more characteristics         and/or attributes of     -   via—by way of and/or utilizing.     -   voltage—(a.k.a., “potential difference” and “electro-motive         force” (EMF)) a difference in electrical potential between any         two conductors of an electrical circuit and/or a quantity,         expressed as a signed number of Volts (V), and measured as a         signed difference between two points in an electrical circuit         which, when divided by the resistance in Ohms between those         points, gives the current flowing between those points in         Amperes, according to Ohm's Law.     -   wavefront—a surface containing points affected in substantially         the same way by a wave at a substantially predetermined time.     -   wearer—a person who don a garment and/or device.     -   weight—a value indicative of importance.     -   when—at a time and/or during the time at which.     -   wherein—in regard to which; and; and/or in addition to.     -   wireless—any communication technique that transmits a signal         that does not require the use of a wire and/or guide connecting         a transmitter and a receiver and/or utilizes electromagnetic         waves emitted by an antenna (i.e., via an unguided medium),         including such communication techniques as sonar, radio,         cellular, cellular radio, digital cellular radio, ELF, LF, MF,         HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, EHF, radar, microwave, satellite microwave,         laser, infrared, etc., but excluding purely visual signaling,         such as semaphore, smoke signals, sign language, etc., the         communication technique having a baseband and/or carrier         frequency ranging from about 1 Hz to about 2×1014 Hz (about 200         teraHertz), including all values therebetween, such as for         example, about 40 Hz, 6.010 kHz, 8.7 MHz, 4.518 GHz, 30 GHz,         etc. and including all subranges therebetween, such as for         example, from about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz, about 30 MHz to         about 1 GHz, about 3 kHz to about 300 GHz, etc. Wireless         communications can include analog and/or digital data, signals,         and/or transmissions. Wireless communication can be via any of a         plurality of protocols such as, for example, cellular CDMA,         TDMA, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, W-CDMA, CDMA2000, TD-CDMA, 802.11a,         802.11b, 802.11g, 802.15.1, 802.15.4, 802.16, and/or Bluetooth,         etc.     -   with—accompanied by.     -   with respect to—in relation to and/or relative to.     -   worn—donned by a wearer.

Note

Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventor(s), for implementing the claimed subject matter by persons having ordinary skill in the art. Any of numerous possible variations (e.g., modifications, augmentations, embellishments, refinements, and/or enhancements, etc.), details (e.g., species, aspects, nuances, and/or elaborations, etc.), and/or equivalents (e.g., substitutions, replacements, combinations, and/or alternatives, etc.) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent upon reading this document to a person having ordinary skill in the art, relying upon his/her expertise and/or knowledge of the entirety of the art and without exercising undue experimentation. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to implement such variations, details, and/or equivalents as appropriate, and the inventor(s) therefore intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all variations, details, and equivalents of that claimed subject matter. Moreover, as permitted by law, every combination of the herein described characteristics, functions, activities, substances, and/or structural elements, and all possible variations, details, and equivalents thereof, is encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language herein should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this document, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this document and/or any claim of any document claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

-   -   there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular         described characteristic, function, activity, substance, or         structural element, for any particular sequence of activities,         for any particular combination of substances, or for any         particular interrelationship of elements;     -   no described characteristic, function, activity, substance, or         structural element is “essential”;     -   any two or more described substances can be mixed, combined,         reacted, separated, and/or segregated;     -   any described characteristics, functions, activities,         substances, and/or structural elements can be integrated,         segregated, and/or duplicated;     -   any described activity can be performed manually,         semi-automatically, and/or automatically;     -   any described activity can be repeated, any activity can be         performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be         performed in multiple jurisdictions; and     -   any described characteristic, function, activity, substance,         and/or structural element can be specifically excluded, the         sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of         structural elements can vary.

The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “said”, “the”, and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.

When any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.

When any phrase (i.e., one or more words) appearing in a claim is followed by a drawing element number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on claim scope.

No claim of this document is intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC 112 unless the precise phrase “means for” is followed by a gerund.

Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety to its fullest enabling extent permitted by law yet only to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other definitions, statements, and/or drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.

Within this document, and during prosecution of any patent application related hereto, any reference to any claimed subject matter is intended to reference the precise language of the then-pending claimed subject matter at that particular point in time only.

Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this document, other than the claims themselves and any provided definitions of the phrases used therein, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. The scope of subject matter protected by any claim of any patent that issues based on this document is defined and limited only by the precise language of that claim (and all legal equivalents thereof) and any provided definition of any phrase used in that claim, as informed by the context of this document. 

1. A contact lens comprising: means for emitting, embedded in or mounted to the contact lens, a beam of light toward a retina of a person wearing the contact lens; means for modulating an intensity of the beam of light; and means for scanning the beam of light across at least a portion of the retina while the intensity of the beam of light is modulated to form an image and/or text perceived by the person.
 2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the beam of light is a first beam of light, the means for emitting is further configured for emitting a second beam of light toward the retina, the means for modulating is further configured for modulating an intensity of the second beam of light, and the means for scanning is further configured for scanning the second beam of light across the at least a portion of the retina.
 3. The contact lens of claim 2, wherein the first beam of light is at a first wavelength and the second beam of light is at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength.
 4. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the means for modulating is embedded within the contact lens.
 5. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the means for modulating is configured for modulating the intensity of the beam of light faster than the retina sends images to the brain.
 6. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the means for modulating is configured for pulsing the beam of light on and off.
 7. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the means for scanning is configured for scanning a spot formed by the beam of light on the retina vertically and/or horizontally.
 8. The contact lens of claim 1, further comprising: means for focusing the beam of light to compensate for optical power of the eye of the person.
 9. A contact lens comprising: a light source, embedded in the contact lens, to emit a beam of light toward a retina of a person while the contact lens is worn by the person; a steering lens, in optical communication with the light source, to steer the beam of light across at least a portion of the retina; and a controller, operably coupled to the light source, to modulate an intensity of the beam of light emitted by the light source while the steering lens steers the beam of light across the at least a portion of the retina so as to form an image and/or text perceived by the person.
 10. The contact lens of claim 9, wherein the light source comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) encapsulated in the contact lens.
 11. The contact lens of claim 9, wherein the steering lens is configured to steer the beam of light in two directions.
 12. The contact lens of claim 9, wherein the steering lens is further configured to focus the beam of light.
 13. The contact lens of claim 9, further comprising: a focusing lens, in optical communication with the steering lens, to focus the beam of light.
 14. The contact lens of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to receive image data from an external source and to convert the image data into temporal modulation of the intensity of the beam of light and scanning of the beam of light.
 15. The contact lens of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to modulate the intensity of the beam of light in response to a direction of the person's gaze.
 16. The contact lens of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to modulate the intensity of the beam of light in response to receiving at least one an email or a text message.
 17. The contact lens of claim 9, wherein the beam of light is at a first wavelength, the light source is a first light source, and further comprising: a second light source, embedded in the contact lens, to emit a second beam of light at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength toward the retina while the contact lens is worn by a person.
 18. A method of displaying text to a person, the method comprising: tracing a first symbol on a retina of a person with a beam of light emitted by a light source embedded in or mounted on a contact lens worn by the person; and tracing a second symbol on the retina of the person with the beam of light emitted by the light source embedded in or mounted on a contact lens worn by the person.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein tracing the first symbol comprises emitting the light from the light source at a first wavelength and tracing the second symbol comprises emitting the light from the light source at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: turning off the light source between tracing the first symbol and tracing the second symbol; and repositioning optics that point the beam of light while the light source is off. 